2nd gen xterra roof rack attachment

[OutdoorAZ]

Im building a rack for an oztent to go on the roof of my xterra. Im stuck on how to attach it to the 2 horizontal roof bars because of their oval shape.

The rack is going to be made of aluminum angle and flat bar to save weight and because i can't weld.

Any suggestions? Would drilling holes through the bars be a bad idea?

 

[OutdoorAZ]

Without knowing dimension and construction, I cant suggest drilling thru them either.
Perhaps a ”U” bolt passed under the crossbar, Or much like this example, two piece clamp block but follows the oval profile.
View attachment 491046

Theyre about 3.5" wide by 1.3" thick. I havent found any u bolts yet that follow the curve very well

 

[outback97]

https://www.thenewx.org/forum/23-ex...ssbars-rotopax-roof-mount.html#/topics/192369

The Xterra crossbars are pretty weak. IMO you’d be much better off to attach stuff to stronger crossbars like shown in the link, or directly to the rails. Lots of good info on thenewx.org.


ETA I read your post as wanting to attach a roof top tent, which would be too much for the stock crossbars. Are you just wanting to haul a folded up 50# tent on the roof? In that case the stock crossbars would be good enough.

Yakima used to make Mighty Mounts for the 2nd Gen Xterra. They have been discontinued, good luck finding a set.
https://www.thenewx.org/forum/46-sa...pter-factory-xterra-crossbars-pics-added.html

They now make a universal set which could work:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Nissan/Xterra/Yakima/Y03590.html

I would still look into a stronger, more versatile setup. With the strut channels used on mine I have carried cargo boxes, fuel cans, recovery boards, shovels, tents, and an awning.